PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced May 11 that Potomac Electric Power Company will pay $54,000 after allegations of violating hazardous waste regulations at its maintenance facility in Washington D.C.
The EPA cited Potomac Electric Power Company for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs the way hazardous waste must be treated, stored and disposed of. RCRA protects public health and the environment.
The Potomac Electric Power Company allegedly improperly handled lead-contaminated rags, lead-contaminated transformer flushing oil, mercury-containing lamps and mineral spirits. Specific violations include failure to properly label hazardous waste containers, failure to keep these containers closed, failure to properly inspect storage areas, failure to maintain fire protection equipment and failure to maintain an adequate contingency plan.
The Potomac Electric Power Company did not admit liability to these allegations, but has fully complied with EPA, corrected the alleged violations and certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.